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Yoder Publications

9 Publications

Research and outreach website. This project was directed by Gregmar I. Galinato, with co-directors Suzette P. Galinato, C. Richard Shumway, and Jonathan K. Yoder. In an era of increased concern about the influence of carbon on the environment, the U.S. government has intervened, requiring the use of biofuels in an attempt to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This project focuses on one of those biofuels, cellulosic ethanol, and the countervailing forces influencing its development, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

This report is a comprehensive response to 2007 Washington State legislation (HB 1303) that tasked Washington State University to 1) analyze the types and corresponding amounts of biofuel in the state and 2) recommend viable incentive programs to promote biofuel market development. Inside you will find policy recommendations based on analysis of a broad set of policy options, including renewable fuel standards and subsidies, carbon taxes, as well as approaches to support research, implementation of new technologies, and creation of infrastructure.

David Granatstein, Chad Kruger, Hal Collins, Manuel Garcia-Perez, and Jonathan Yoder, September 2009. Biochars from different feedstocks were tested on five soils. Biochars on all soil types increased soil C. Biochar C was stable in soil with mean residence times estimated in the hundreds of years. Soil nitrate levels were reduced with increasing biochar rate perhaps due to ammonium adsorption. Biochar did not accelerate loss of indigenous organic matter through the ‘priming effect.′ Biochars raised soil pH, but did not lead to consistent plant growth improvements.